Cattle and sheep farmers must vaccinate against 2 types of bluetongue virus in 2025
Starting in 2025, cattle and sheep farmers in Belgium will be required to vaccinate their animals against serotypes and 8 of the bluetongue virus. Outgoing agriculture minister David Clarinval made this announcement in Wednesday, adding that cattle will also need to be vaccinated against epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD).
This year, Belgian farmers suffered significant losses due to an outbreak of bluetongue virus, particularly serotype 3, which spread from the Netherlands. This strain is considered more aggressive than previous ones.
While a vaccine for this serotype exists, it has only been voluntary until now. According to Clarinval, "After several months of the epidemic, we have to conclude that voluntary vaccination has not sufficiently limited the impact of the disease." The risk of a resurgence remains high, prompting the government to take stronger action.
Following consultations with various agricultural organisations, Clarinval decided that vaccination would become mandatory for cattle and sheep farmers in 2025. This includes vaccination against both serotype 3, which caused this year’s epidemic, and serotype 8. Additionally, cattle will need protection against EHD, a virus that has recently spread from France.
While farmers will have to cover the cost of the vaccinations, they will benefit from reduced financial obligations next year, as sheep, goat, and deer farmers will no longer be required to pay into the health fund, which is designed to mitigate losses during epidemics.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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